Ortho Cyclen Use

Ortho Cyclen is used to prevent pregnancy.

How Ortho Cyclen works

Ortho Cyclen contain a combination of hormones that is used to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). The pills contain a form of estrogen and a form of progesterone, which are both hormones involved in conception.

How to take Ortho Cyclen

Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours after your last dose. Try to take the pills at a time that you will remember every day--for example, just before bed, with a meal, or first thing in the morning.

Ortho Cyclen precautions

Avoid smoking. It greatly increases your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and blood clot formation.

What to tell your doctor

Tell your doctor of any health conditions you have had.

Ortho Cyclen side effects

Most side effects are not serious, and those that are occur infrequently. Serious risks that can be life-threatening include blood clots, stroke or heart attacks—which are increased if you smoke cigarettes.